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Associated Press

Mark Cuban named honorary Indianapolis 500 starter for 2014

Businessman, Dallas Mavericks owner and "Shark Tank" star Mark Cuban can add another feather to his cap come Memorial Day weekend 2014 -- he has been named the honorary starter for the Indianapolis 500.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Monday (May 19) that Cuban will wave the green flag to start the 33 drivers who are racing in the 98th running of the Indy 500 airing live on ABC.

"Whether it's winning an NBA championship or the honor of waving the green flag to start the Indianapolis 500, there are certain sporting events that are monumental for any true sports fan," says Cuban. "I am excited to come back to Indiana, not just to attend, but actually participate in this historic race."

Cuban grew up in Pittsburgh, but he attended college at Indiana University. His love of Hoosier basketball is what spurred him to create Broadcast.com for streaming audio on the internet. He sold that company to Yahoo in 1999 for $5.6 billion.

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